4 Best Restaurants in Caracas, Venezuela

An old-school Caracas arepa joint, Budare serves up freshly made arepas and cachapas with flair and a wee bit of attitude. There's a huge variety of stuffing options for your arepas; among the most popular are local cheeses such as queso de mano and queso telita. Also scrumptious are the meat options, including carne mechada (shredded beef) and reina pepiada (avocado-and-chicken salad). Be sure to get a batido de fruta, or a fruit shake—we recommend parchita (passionfruit) or lechosa (papaya). This is the best place to end any bar-hopping or theater-going evening: the restaurant is open 24/7, 365 days a year—yes, even on Christmas.

With a huge central indoor courtyard, Maute Grill is a popular spot for families, couples, and business types. On the menu you will find delectable grilled steaks cooked to your exact specifications. Stick to the traditional Venezuelan cuts such as solomo (sirloin), lomito (tenderloin), or the ever-popular punta trasera (top rump). Be sure to order a side of perfectly hand-fashioned arepitas (little arepas) and yucca. Delicious!

Located in a popular shopping mall called El Recreo, this meat restaurant makes up for the fact that it's on the mall's second floor with friendly, rustic charm and bright, floor-to-ceiling photo murals of Venezuelan farmland. The waiters are helpful, and the clientele is mostly shoppers, though some people make the effort to come here just for the consistently good grilled meats, arepas, and cold beers.

Lush tropical vegetation filled with parrots, tree frogs, and turtles has been part of the experience at this Caracas landmark since it opened in 1950. It's truly memorable just to arrive here: the mostly open-air restaurant is perched just below the Ávila, and the moment you walk through the front gate you see cages of colorful birds and waitors scurrying about carrying trays laden with cuts of meat. There's definitely a theme-park feeling here, but it's fun just the same, espeically on a sunny, breezy afternoon. On the menu you will find well-prepared (if not life-changing) grilled steaks and seafood. The mango flambé à la mode is a delightful way to end your meal.